Campbell pushed no-bid contract (more repuke corruption)

[maxrandb]

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2181536,00.html

Washington - As director of a Rocky Mountain drug-fighting task force, Tom Gorman was surprised to learn last year that Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell had gotten him a million-dollar federal grant.

Gorman had not asked for the money, nor was he familiar with the software system it was supposed to buy. And he was unaware, until Campbell's chief of staff told him, that it was targeted to one particular firm.

It quickly became clear, to Gorman and other public officials, that Campbell was trying to steer a no-bid contract to a software company called Thinkstream Inc. One of the company owners, records show, is a longtime political supporter of the senator.

It is way past time that we completely cleaned house.

[maddezmom]

1. an earlier link from DU

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=524378

A PR release by former White House Drug Office Spokesman Robert Weiner is below - unedited - just as the PR was issued (mods - this is not copyrighted).

Now there may be - if Ashcroft and our media does not bury it - a Major Criminal Investigation into bribes to Bush's buddies by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

When Dr. Al Brandenstein, Director of the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center of ONDCP (at least until recently) was asked to illegally hand over a $1.5 million contract to Bush's pals without the required bidding process, he said NO. In response, the ONDCP chief of staff attempted to extort compliance from Brandenstein by withholding $400,000 in legally won funds for other projects. A May 15 memo assures Brandenstein that as soon as he coughed up the cash for Bush's pals, he'd get the $400,000. Brandenstein refused, was demoted. He retired in protest on March 28.

Former White House drug spokesman Bob Weiner is furious and has called for an independent investigation.

http://www.usnewswire.com /
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=103-04262004

White House Agrees to 'Look Into' Drug Czar's Forcing Out Courageous Senior Employee who Refused to Implement Improper Million Dollar No-Bid Contract

4/30/2004 4:23:00 PM


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: National Desk

Contact: Robert Weiner or Jeffrey Buchanan, 301-283-0821 or 202-329-1700

WASHINGTON, April 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by former White House Drug Office Spokesman Robert Weiner:

-- Former WH Drug Spokesman Bob Weiner Calls For Investigation To Highest Level Including Drug Czar, By Professional Justice Arm, Not Political Appointees

White House Spokesman Scott McClellan today agreed to "look into" the Drug Czar's (John Walters) forcing out a courageous senior employee who refused to implement an improper no-bid single-source $1.15 million contract to Republican contributors. Dr. Al Brandenstein, Director of the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center of ONDCP, was also told he would have $400,000 of other money withheld from approved projects until he complied. In today's White House press briefing, Hearst's Helen Thomas asked about Dr. Al Brandenstein. Former ONDCP Director of Public Affairs Robert Weiner had called for a Department of Justice Investigation of the matter "to the top", including the Drug Czar.

The issue involves a no-bid contract arranged at a powerful U.S. Senator's request (Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-CO). Brandenstein "deserves a heroic medal, not being pushed out of government," asserts Weiner.

"Because of the political nature of the allegations, the Justice investigation must be by professional, not political appointees," Weiner added.

Weiner yesterday sent a letter to Ashcroft requesting the investigation, and DOJ has confirmed receipt. In addition, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking office, a field branch of ONDCP, has turned over files on the matter to the Department of Justice executive office.

In a May 15 memo, the ONDCP chief of staff wrote to Brandenstein, "As soon as you can identify such funds, I will be delighted" to release $400,000 already committed to approved projects under Brandenstein.

Brandenstein refused, was demoted, and retired on March 28. At Brandenstein's retirement party April 28, the Director of the U.S. Marshal Service, Ben Reyna, praised Brandenstein as a "man of character, with a profound sense of justice, who understands the Constitution." Campbell recently announced that he will not run for reelection.

"It pains me to see the office I joined in creating abused for petty personal and possibly illegal reasons," said Weiner, who had been communications director of the former House Select Narcotics Committee and was on the House floor in 1988 when the bill creating the Drug Czar was passed.


http://www.usnewswire.com /

[shraby]

2. Too bad there aren't more

people with scruples in government service today. Actually government service is a sort of oxymoron.

[CO Liberal]

3. Now I Know Why Ben Nightmare Campbell Is Retiring This Year

Now, if he can only be forced to resign before he collects his pension....

[struggle4progress]

4. kick

:kick: